Meet Our Faculty

College of Arts and Science

Curt Lowe, PhD - Dean

William C. "Curt" Lowe is Dean of Ashford's College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of History. He came to the institution in 1980 and served as a full-time faculty member, chair of the Social Science Division, and Academic Dean before assuming his present position. He served as self-study coordinator for the 1995 and 2006 comprehensive accreditation visits. He has taught a variety of history courses at Ashford, as well as interdisciplinary courses on the Civil War in American Culture and, with Dr. Gary Heath, Race Relations in America. A native of Savannah, Georgia, Lowe taught at Auburn University, Marshall University and Black Hawk College before joining Ashford University. He earned an Artium Baccalaureatus (AB) degree from the College of William and Mary and MA and PhD degrees from Emory University. He has published articles on British and American history in a number of scholarly journals and authored more than a hundred articles for reference works, including "The New Oxford Dictionary of National Biography." He is also the author of "Blessings of Liberty: Safeguarding Civil Rights," a book for middle-schoolers. In 2006-7, he received a research grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa, and spent a sabbatical semester researching Civil War commemoration in the state. He is married to Flora Lowe, Ashford's Library Director. Watching Ashford sports teams is a favorite pastime. Read more about Dr. Lowe.

Kristin Abraham, MFA

Originally from the Flint, Michigan area, Abraham holds an MFA in Creative Writing from West Virginia University and is a published poet. She specializes in teaching composition, rhetoric, and creative writing, and is the faculty advisor for The Clarion, Ashford's student newspaper based on campus; in addition to that, Abraham teaches some journalism and speech classes. Abraham joined the Ashford faculty for the 2007-'08 year and has previous experience teaching at small, private colleges, and credits that experience for helping her select Ashford. "I love small schools like Ashford because they are families: they expect a lot from you as students, but there are also fifteen people supporting you in every choice you make, and they will always rush to help you if you fall. I like to be part of that family dynamic."

Ted Eilders, PhD

Ted Eilders is in his second year of teaching at Ashford. He is a graduate of Concordia University Chicago, Wartburg Theological Seminary, and the University of Iowa. Eilders has worked in pastoral ministry, college counseling, and college teaching. He enjoys his work with students, faculty, and staff at Ashford University and finds them friendly and helpful. He currently teaches in the Sociology and Psychology areas on campus. Eilders sees Ashford University as a place where "learning for life" occurs.

Rob Engelson, DMA

Engelson's degrees include a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Choral Music from Arizona State University, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Choral Conducting from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Education and German from Augsburg College. He began teaching at Ashford University in 1995, and currently teaches all music and music education-related courses; interdisciplinary courses including World Musics, Music / Art / Literature of the Romantic Era, Fine Arts Seminar, Shakespeare and Music, all Scholars Institute courses since its inception (2002), and Freshman Experience. His words of wisdom to students are, "Jump in with both feet, get to know as many of the faculty and staff as you can, get involved in student activities, and do your work on time!"

Ed Gall, MS

After growing up in eastern Pennsylvania, Ed Gall pursued a BS and an MS in Environmental Engineering at Wilkes University (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania) and Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina). Following his time at Clemson, Gall spent four years as a research technician at the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory studying the movement of pollutants in soil and groundwater. He then moved to St. Louis to pursue another academic passion, theology, and completed a Master of Divinity degree at Covenant Theological Seminary. His first experience at teaching was at a community college teaching chemistry. Gall began teaching at Ashford in 2005 as an adjunct faculty member, teaching philosophy and religion courses both in the traditional program and in the accelerated program. He became a full-time faculty member in fall, 2006. When not involved with teaching religion, philosophy, and physics courses at Ashford, Gall spends his time involved with his church and also enjoys reading, walking, cooking, and attending Ashford athletic events. His advice for students: "First, practice putting yourselves in someone else's shoes and trying to think like they do. This will definitely help you understand others better, and in doing this, help you to better understand yourself. Second, to all my physics students, math isn't all that bad - it is a language that opens a door to a deeper understanding of the universe around you."

Sarah Gall, PhD

Originally from northeast Tennessee, Sarah Gall received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1998. Six years later, she attended Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri and earned a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology. Gall began teaching in the Biology department at Ashford in the fall of 2004. Her primary teaching responsibilities include most of the upper-level biology classes for science and health care majors, including (but not limited to) Anatomy & Physiology, Cell Biology, Genetics & Immunology, and Microbiology. She has also directed several senior research projects for students. Additionally, Gall teaches a biology course for non-science majors, and has team-taught an interdisciplinary course on Science and Culture. Her hope for her students: "That they will learn to think in new ways and apply their knowledge to new situations."

Gary Heath, PhD

Earned degrees: BA, MA, PhD, University of California at Berkeley. Heath has contributed 20 years of service to Ashford. "I feel privileged to serve at Ashford. The small classes and my passion for sociology and liberal arts make an excellent chemistry for committed, effective teaching. I love to do ongoing research for my classes." Heath also loves to read and write. His recent works include a book of short stories about Ashford University and the co-authored "Gifts From Decorah Laurah," a novel constructed around a plot featuring Abraham Lincoln and the Winnebago Indians of the Minnesota Territory in the 1860s. These books have "added zest and growth to my recent professional and creative life." His Harper and Row book, "The New Teacher," articulates his educational philosophy of social scientific inquiry and cultural progressivism. Heath's courses include: Racial and Ethnic Groups, Public Policy and Social Services, Cross-Cultural Perspectives, Social Justice and Society, and Sociology of Sport.

John Ivens, PhD

Ivens earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois in 1967. He completed a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso the following year. Ivens then enlisted in the United States Air Force to become a pilot. He flew C-141 jet transports on cargo missions all over the world for several years. After his service, he returned to graduate study in psychology at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Ivens finished his dissertation and earned a doctorate in 1978. He taught psychology for seven years at the University of Wisconsin - Sheboygan Center, returned to his hometown of Decatur, Illinois to work as an outpatient mental health counselor for several years, and then went back to teaching psychology at Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois. In the fall of 1989, Ivens joined the staff at the "Mount" (Mount St. Clare College) to teach psychology and peace studies. Ivens still teaches a course titled "Peacemaking" every fall and the class has planted and continues to build a Peace Garden on the Clinton campus. His words of wisdom to students are "to get into a routine of studying and attending class regularly. If a student can do that, then we give that student a lot of support and encouragement to escape into the real world with a good education."

Sr. Theresa Judge, MA

A member of the teaching faculty at Ashford University since 1993, Judge earned an MA in English Literature and completed MA work in Guidance and Counseling from Western Illinois University. She also has a BA in History from Marycrest College, and an AA from Mount St. Clare College. Judge has taken students on a London Spring break trip every year for the last 23 years.

Glen Just, ABD

Glen Just has been with Ashford University since 1983, and has served as Mathematics Department Chairman and Associate Professor of Mathematics. His educational background includes an MEd (Mathematics) and a BSEd (Mathematics) from Columbus State University, and he is currently ABD (All But Dissertation) in Instructional Technology at Northern Illinois University. His objective is to assist college students in their learning of mathematics and problem-solving techniques. Just's current research area is the use of educational technology for the purpose of undergraduate learning.

Sr. William McCue, MA

Sister William McCue, OSF is the Chairperson of the Philosophy Department and the Religious Studies Department. She was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Creighton University and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. She is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. Sr. William is the longest standing faculty member at Ashford University with 44 years of service. Read more about Sister McCue.

Jenny Pauckner, MFA

Jenny Packner, MFA earned her Bachelor of Arts in Studjo Art from Marian College in Indianapolis, Indiana and an MFA in painting from Indiana State University. Since arriving at Ashford in the fall of 2006, she has had the opportunity to teach a wide range of courses including Painting, Art Skills for the Classroom Educator, Art Appreciation, Fine Arts Seminar, Printmaking, Advanced Art Seminar, Two-Dimensional Design, Drawing, and a Figure Drawing Workshop. She also directs the Cortona Gallery on campus.

Carl Robinson, PhD

Carl Robinson received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Randolph-Macon College, his Master's in English from Virginia Tech, and a PhD in English from Kent State. His dissertation was entitled: "The Modern Language of Ring Sport: A Cultural Phenomenon and Its Literary Forms." This is his second year at Ashford and he teaches Composition, American Lit, British Lit, African-American Lit, Business Writing, Business Speaking, and Speech.

Shukhrat Usmanov, PhD

Dr. Usmanov was born in Andijan, Uzbekistan (former Soviet Union), and received a PhD in Analysis from Tashkent State University in 1985. He moved to the United States in 1999, and earned a second PhD in Ergodic Theory from North Dakota State University in 2006. At Ashford, he currently teaches undergraduate courses in Combined Algebra, College Algebra, Linear Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus Sequence and Managerial Calculus. His hobbies include reading, music, chess and hiking. His wife, Sofya, is also a mathematician and they have two children who are currently enrolled at Jefferson Elementary in Clinton.

John Zimmerman, PhD

Dr. Zimmerman has an AA from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology from Oklahoma State University, and a PhD in Zoology from North Carolina State University. He has been with Ashford University since the fall of 1995 teaching in the areas of Biology and Environmental Studies. He serves as an academic advisor for the Biology department and the 3+1 Programs. His words of wisdom to students: "Remember the saying that you get out of something comparable to what you put in. So put effort into your education."

College of Business and Professional Studies

Charlie Minnick, PhD - Dean

Dr. Charlie Minnick is the Dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies at Ashford University. He has been at Ashford since 2006. Before that he spent ten years at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. His last position there was Director of the Masters of Organizational Leadership program. His PhD is in Management and Decision Sciences with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Change from Walden University. He has also done some consulting work in the areas of employee motivation, business ethics, improving team performance, and conflict management. He recently served as a reviewer of Management textbooks for Pearson Publishing. As Dean, Dr. Minnick wants to uphold Ashford's "dedication to continuing our strong progress and building on our key values of providing affordable, accessible and quality programs."

Mike Burton, JD

Mike Burton is currently an Assistant Professor in the College of Business and Professional Studies. He received a BA from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Valparaiso University. Prior to coming to Ashford, he practiced law for several years and then worked in the business sector. His diverse professional and educational background enables him to instruct a variety of courses, but his primary areas of interest are in business law, sports and recreation management and sales/marketing. Besides instructing traditional campus classes, he also teaches in the accelerated and online programs. His wife, Michelle, and their four children provide him with the inspiration to always strive to do his best as an instructor. He is very motivated by the opportunity to teach others and to create a quality learning experience.

Diane Cornilsen, MSEd

Diane Cornilsen's educational background includes a BA from the University of Northern Iowa, an MSEd from Northern Illinois University, and a current Iowa Teacher Certification. She is working on completeing a Distance Learning Certificate from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Some of the courses she teaches include Computer Literacy, PC Applications, Web Publishing, Integrating Technology in the Classroom, Programming Concepts, Visual and Verbal Presentations, and Spreadsheet and Database Analysis. She has witnessed Ashford University move through a variety of transitions both in name and in culture. The institution's movement toward new technology has provided students and faculty with an enhanced portal for teaching and learning. Her words of wisdom to students: "As I think about my daughter who will attend college in the fall of 2008, three thoughts come to mind....follow your intellectual passion, reach out and create new networks of friends, faculty, and staff, and participate in or seek out service opportunities in the community you become a part of."

Tyrus Goshay, BA

Tyrus Goshay is the Animation Instructor for Ashford University. He is personally committed to the success of each individual student in the field of Design and Animation. He has been at Ashford since March, 2007. Before joining Ashford, he spent 3 years working for The Marketing Store out of Oakbrook, Illinois. He was assigned to the McDonalds Happy Meal toy design program. His responsibilities included toy design, concept design, and illustration for final presentation. Goshay also worked for several video game companies as a freelance artist. He is also currently working as a freelance artist for Disney. His degrees are in Computer Animation and Multimedia, with a Certification in Design. He looks forward to contributing to his students' success in the future.

Amy Kramer, PhD

Dr. Amy Kramer graduated with a PhD in Organization and Management from Capella University, a Master's of Organizational Management from UOP, and a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and Marketing. Prior to joining AU full-time she worked within the corporate arena for more than 14 years. She currently teaches Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, Research Methods, Marketing, Management, Leadership, Change Management, Business Communications, Marketing Research, Social Issues, Group Behavior in Organizations, Operations Management and Strategic Planning. She has a passion for learning and enjoys helping students realize the joy that learning can bring. Some of her key goals are to teach students to seek knowledge and understanding in everything they do or experience, to help students learn to think in new and different ways, and to help students to gain confidence in themselves and see what they have to offer the world both personally and professionally. Of her students, Kramer says, "It is an honor to work with them here and it is my pleasure to support and guide them every step of the way." She lives near the campus with her husband (who is a firefighter & paramedic) and their three children (ages 5-14).

Ray Smith, MA

Ray Smith has been on the faculty of Ashford University since August, 2007. He has an MA degree in mathematics from Central Michigan University and a BA degree from the University of Iowa, also in mathematics. During the last few years he has obtained certification as a Cisco Certified Networking Instructor and also as a Cisco Java Instructor. After enjoying many years as a technology/math teacher at Clinton High School, he is now enjoying teaching at the college level. To his students, Smith says, "Learning is a life long process. Ashford University can help you in that process of living a rewarding and exciting life."

David Stedwell, MA

David Stedwell holds a BA in Journalism with a Secondary Education Certification from the University of Iowa, and an MA in Journalism / Public Relations from Ball State University. He taught at West High School, Davenport, Iowa for 12 years. He taught journalism, mass media and photography courses and advised student publications (newspaper and yearbook). Stedwell also served for 18 years at Marycrest College/Marycrest International University in the Computer Graphics program. He advised the student newspaper and literary/graphics magazine. For 35 years, he developed curriculum, taught, and directed programs at various summer journalism workshops around the country (Michigan State University, Ball State University, The University of Iowa, University of Nebraska, Western Kentucky University). He is currently an Associate Professor teaching graphic communication courses in the Computer Graphic Design program. He says he encourages students to do the best work with the skills they bring to any project, and to embark on a life-long quest to continue developing those skills. Says Stedwell, "I think that life-long learning is so important for anyone who wants to keep pace with the constantly changing graphic communication environment."

George Sztajer, MBA

George Sztajer is a professor in the College of Business and Professional Studies. His undergraduate degree is in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Champaign. He holds an MBA from Eastern Illinois University, and he took doctoral classes at the University of Iowa in Policy and Planning. His early career was in the construction industry as an architect and later as an executive. He has been teaching for about 20 years, the last 8 of those here at Ashford. He has taught most of the business courses at one time or another. Says Sztajer, "I have taught at large and small schools and one of the advantages of Ashford is its small size. Take advantage of that by talking with your professors whenever you have questions."

David Ward, MBA, CPA

David Ward, has a BS in Grain Science & Technology from Kansas State University, an MBA from St. Ambrose University, and a BA in Accountancy from Western Illinois University. He is a certified public accountant, and has taught in the accounting and business areas at Ashford University since 2005. A poem excerpt that Ward likes to share with students is from Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken:"

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Charles West, MBA, CPA, CMA, CFM

Charles West started teaching at Ashford in 1981. He has taught accounting, business and finance courses. He holds CPA, CMA, and CFM certifications. His degrees include a BS from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northwestern University. He is happy to report that "every year for over 20 years, our university has had exceptional students successfully complete one of the accounting professional certification examinations."

College of Education

Joen Rottler, EdD - Dean

Dr. Joen Rottler is the Dean of the College of Education (COE) so she works with the Teacher Preparation Program on the Clinton, Iowa, campus. She is the Licensure Officer, and is responsible for graduate programs and new program development in the COE. Since she works with teacher candidates, she believes it is very important for them to realize that they are developing a professional reputation the minute they enter the program. That includes exhibiting the behavior of a role model for K-12 students, demonstrating professional behavior in field-based experience/practicum, and practicing leadership skills throughout the program. "I am a positive person and believe teachers are leaders who make lasting impressions on students. I am an advocate for teacher leaders who believe in service. I find teacher preparation to be a very rewarding field since I am putting my thumbprint on future teachers by developing teacher leaders who serve students, parents, communities and the teaching profession." She holds a Master of Counselor Education from Iowa State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa. She has experience as a preschool owner, K, 1st, and 5th grade teacher, elementary principal, high school guidance counselor, consultant with the Iowa Department of Education and IPTV, and college professor at Upper Iowa University, Grand View College and Education Department Chair at Waldorf College.

Terri Bousselot, MA

Terri L. Bousselot is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and has been employed at Ashford University since 1998. Ms. Bousselot serves as a co-advisor to students majoring in secondary education content areas. Additional duties include the supervision of practicum students and student teachers. Bousselot received her Master's degree from Marycest University. She lives in rural Calamus, Iowa and farms with her husband, David E. Bousselot. Read more about Terri Bousselot, MA.

Karla Grant-McClure, ABD

Karla Grant McClure is the Associate Dean and a faculty member in the College of Education. She celebrates her three-year anniversary with Ashford in June, 2008. She received her Bachelor's degree in 7th - 12th grade Special Education from the University of Dubuque with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Her Master's degree is from the University of Iowa in Pk - 12th grade Educational Administration. She is currently working on her PhD from the University of Iowa in Pk - 12th grade Educational Administration and Pk - 12th grade Special Education Administration. She is in ABD (All But Dissertation) status and will be finished with her dissertation in December, 2008. Before coming to Ashford, she spent seven years teaching high school students with severe behavioral disorders and six years as a high school administrator. At Ashford, she teaches some of the Special Education courses as well as the General Secondary Methods courses along with some administrative duties and student teacher / practicum student supervision. To students, she says, "Please stop by and say, 'Hi.' My door is always open for new faces and to chat for awhile."

Brenda Leza, MS

Brenda Leza has been working at Ashford University for just over two years. Previously she was a teacher in Muscatine, Iowa. She has taught at every educational level: preschool through post-secondary, both on-campus and online. She currently holds three degrees: AA in Early Childhood Education from Muscatine Community College, BA in Elementary Education with preschool endorsement from Iowa Wesleyan College, and an MS in Educational Leadership from Drake University. She hopes to begin taking courses to complete a PhD program within the next few months. Currently she teaches Integrating Technology in the Classroom, Collaboration and Transition, Educational Psychology, and Survey of Exceptional Students. She enjoys teaching these courses and loves working with students who are pursuing careers in the teaching profession. Leza's words of wisdom: "Be prepared for the challenges that lay ahead of you. The path to earning your degree will not always be smooth; it will be challenging, and at times may even seem overwhelming. Always keep the end in sight and focus on your goals, for although you have chosen a professional path that is not easy, it is one of the most rewarding."

Sr. Marilyn Shea, MA

Sr. Marilyn Sea started her education to become a teacher at Mount St. Clare College and completed her baccalaureate degree at Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, majoring in Elementary Education. She earned a Master's degree in Curriculum and Supervision at Marquette University in Milwaukee. She began her professional life as a middle school teacher, continued as a K-8 principal, and returned to teach in the Education Department at Mount St. Clare College, now the College of Education at Ashford University. She teaches Introduction to Education, Grammar for Educators, and Practicum courses to accompany elementary methods. She also facilitates the student teacher seminar and supervises student teachers. Her greatest joy is to observe the way students who enter the COE grow and develop into caring and effective teachers in just a few short semesters and take their place as professional educators.

Dianne Willging, MS

Dianne Willging is in her eighth year of teaching at Ashford University. The courses she teaches include Foundations of American Education, Principle of Education II, Math for Educators, Math Methods, Diagnosis and Assessment of Reading, Strategies and Techniques for Corrective Reading, and Practicum in Reading. Willging also supervises student teachers and reading practicum students. She received her Master of Science in Elementary Education with specialization in language arts from Western Illinois University. Her Bachelor of Arts degree is also in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading from the University of Iowa. She continues her education with graduate courses in reading and math instruction. She holds elementary teaching certificates in Iowa and Illinois. Her work experience includes K-5 Title 1 teacher, kindergarten teacher, Talented and Gifted coordinator, and 2nd grade teacher. Accomplishments include the Ashford University Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching and Learning with Technology, Who's Who in Education, and the Gold Key Award for Excellence in Education.

Laurie Zahn, MS

Laurie Zahn holds a BS from Concordia University and an MS from Western Illinois University. Zahn currently teaches Elementary Reading Methods, Language Arts Methods for Elementary Teachers, Science Methods for Elementary Teachers, Social Studies for Elementary Teachers, Child and Adolescent Literature, and Secondary Reading in the Content Areas. She has been with Ashford University since 1998.